[2.] The eye of sense being shut, we are not discouraged with con- trary appearances, nor with fears and troubles and the trials of the present life, because hope seeth sunshine behind the back of the storm. We have a notable emblem of the eye of faith and the eye of sense iu
VsR. 82.] SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. 363
the prophet and the prophet's man : 2 Kings vi, 15-17, ' When the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone fortli, behold, an host compassed the city, both with horses and chariots : and his ser- vant said to him, Alas, my master ! how shall we do ? And he answered, Fear not ; for they that be with us are more than they that "be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open liis eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man ; and he saw : and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and -chariots of fire round about' Elisha's man is affrighted with the dreadful appearance of enemies encompassing them round about, and is at his wit's end. ' What shall we do ? ' But his master Elisha had the eye of faith, and could see great preparations which God had sent for their defence, which the servant could not see ; therefore encour- agetli him, and in a prophetical vision showeth not only more horses and chariots, but chariots of fire, which were no other than the angels of God come together in the manner of a host, to rescue the prophet of God. What was represented to him in a prophetical vision is always evident to faith and to the eyes of a believing soul ; they see God and his holy angels set for their deliverance! When God openeth the eyes of the mind, they can see the glory and power of the other world ; and then, ' though troubled on every side, yet not distressed ; though perplexed, yet not in despair ; though persecuted, yet not forsaken; though cast down, yet not destroyed,' 2 Cor. iv. 8, 9, though wrestling with difficulties, yea, brought to some extremities, yet this invisible assistance supporteth them ; and though they have little human means, yet God carrieth them on to their expected end £fad issue.
Use 1. To reprove us for poring so much upon present things, and neglecting those to come, especially the great recompense of reward. Alas ! men have either none, or cold thoughts of that blessed estate which is offered in the promises. Our thoughts fly up and down like dust in the wind ; they may sometimes light upon good things, but they vanish, and abide not. We may have some cold ineffectual glances upon heaven and heavenly things, which fiy away, and never leave the soul better. This argueth hope is very weak, if there be any at all ; for hope is always longing and looking out for the blessing, sending spies into the land of promise, to bring it tidings thence ; it will dis- cover itself not by glances and wishes ; for the worst men may have some of these in their good mood and sober thoughts ; but by frequent, deep, and ponderous meditations : you do not eye the mark, Phil. iii. 14, nor mind your scope and great end, 2 Cor. iv. 18. Certainly that which must be intended in every righteous action, either formally or virtually — that is, by some noted explicit thought, or by the unobserved act of some potent habit — should be oftener thought of and longed for; you do not live by faith else. For what is living by faith, but with- drawing the mind from present things to things to come, looking beyond and above the world to eternity? 2 Cor. v. 7; Heb. xi. 11. You are not acquainted with the influence of the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, for he openeth the- eyes of the mind. Why ? That you may look above the mists and clouds of the lower world to those good things which we are to enjoy in heaven, Eph. i. 17, 18, and 1 Cor. ii.
364 SERMONS UPON PSALM CXIX. [SeR. XO^
12. Alas ! we are taken up with trifles and chilclisli toys, have our thoughts little exercised about these nobler objects. Therefore is it that our diligence is so little ; for if the}' were oftener minded, thejr "would be more diligently sought after : Phil. iii. 14, ' I press towards the mark for the prize .of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.' Therefore is our patience so little ; for the bitterness of the cross would be more sweetened if our minds and meditations were oftener set about heaven and heavenly things, Eom. viii. 18. Therefore are our conversations so worldly, Phil. iii. 19, our desires and longings so cold and weak, so little mind to get home, Phil. i. 23, ttoXXm fxaXXov Kpelaaov.
Use 2. To press us to eye the promised blessedness more than we do. The promise is our warrant, and the thing promised is the com- fort, solace, and support of our souls. The promise must be laid up in the heart with a firm strong assent, and the thing promised ever kept in view. I shall give you the qualifications of this expectation.